Africa-Press – Gambia. Talib Ahmed Bensouda, Mayor of Kanifing Municipal Council, has officially withdrawn his candidacy for the United Democratic Party (UDP) flagbearer position in the 2026 presidential election and resigned from his role as the party’s National Organising Secretary.
In a video message shared on his social media page, Mayor Bensouda explained that his decision followed a private meeting with Lawyer Ousainou Darboe, who reaffirmed his commitment to contest the UDP flagbearership.
“I have taken it upon myself to meet Mr. Darboe on a one-to-one basis to let him know my desire to lead the UDP and my confidence that if selected I will become victorious come December 2026. He has also let me know that he is committed to being the UDP flagbearer for 2026,” Mayor Bensouda said.
He added, “Therefore I have told him and I am here to tell my supporters that effective immediately I have withdrawn my candidacy for the flagbearship of the UDP 2026.”
Mayor Bensouda also announced his resignation as National Organising Secretary to enable Darboe to have a trusted ally at the position, “Mr. Darboe will need a national organizing Secretary who he will trust; who can deliver as to his expectation.”
He highlighted that Lawyer Darboe needs someone to help him with his campaign and not someone who was seeking for his position.
Emphasizing the importance of ethical politics, Mayor Bensouda urged Gambians to prioritize national development and social cohesion over personal attacks and divisive rhetoric.
“I urge all Gambians, politics is not a game insult, not a game of division, not a game of personal attacks or defamatory comments,” he stressed.
He added, “Politics is a game of national development, politics is something we should all cherish to foster community unity.”
The UDP is currently experiencing internal tensions, with factional rivalries emerging between supporters of Darboe and Bensouda as the party prepares for the 2026 elections.
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